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< Back Navigating Menopause in Shift Work & Irregular Schedules If you work night shifts or irregular hours and you’re going through menopause, you might be feeling doubly exhausted. Hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes and poor sleep are difficult at the best of times and even more challenging when your body clock is constantly shifting Circadian Rhythms & Menopause Your body relies on a 24-hour clock, known as the circadian rhythm, to regulate sleep, hormones, and energy. Irregular work patterns can disrupt this rhythm and worsen menopausal symptoms such as: Sleep disturbances Low mood or anxiety Brain fog Hot flushes or night sweats Tips for Managing Symptoms Create a wind-down routine after night shifts: use blackout curtains, earplugs, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule when possible. Stay cool : Layer breathable sleepwear and keep your sleeping area ventilated. Hydrate and nourish : Night shifts can lead to skipped meals or caffeine overload. Keep balanced snacks on hand. Try CBT-I : Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia can be particularly helpful for sleep issues. Hormone Therapy Considerations If you're considering HRT, timing your doses to suit your work patterns can help. For example, using a transdermal patch or gel in the morning after a night shift may align better with your sleep schedule. Always discuss personalised options with your prescriber. Menopause in shift work doesn’t have to be unmanageable. With lifestyle adjustments and the right clinical support, you can take back control. If your work schedule is affecting your menopause journey, our team is here to support you with tailored advice and treatment. Get in touch with Bristol Menopause Clinic today. Get in Touch If you would like a personal Wellwoman Check, or are suffering from any of the symptoms of the menopause and would like to learn more, please head to our contact page to book an appointment. You'll be so glad you did! Contact Us

< Back Menopause Package: Initial & Follow up Consultation Included - New Patient Only £350 Book Now About Comprehensive Menopause Support Package for New Patients – Just £350 Take control of your menopause journey with our comprehensive support package, designed for new patients. For just £350, you’ll receive both an initial consultation and a follow-up review appointment to ensure you have the expert care and guidance you need throughout this important life stage. Our experienced menopause doctor will provide personalised advice, treatment options, and continuous support to help you manage your symptoms and feel confident every step of the way. What's Included in the Comprehensive Menopause Support Package: Initial 45-Minute Consultation In-depth Consultation with an Experienced Menopause Doctor : Discuss your symptoms, concerns, and health history to receive tailored advice. Personalised Health Plan : Get a customised approach to managing your menopause, covering lifestyle adjustments, nutrition, and possible treatments. Private Prescribing (if needed) : If appropriate, our doctor will prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other treatments. Letter to Your GP : A comprehensive letter to your GP, ensuring they are fully informed about your treatment and care plan. Review Appointment Progress Review : Check in with your doctor to review how you're feeling and assess the effectiveness of your treatment plan. Treatment Adjustments (if needed) : Based on your progress, we'll adjust your plan to ensure the best care moving forward. Ongoing Support and Advice : Receive expert guidance on any new symptoms or concerns, helping you continue managing your menopause with confidence. Private Prescribing (if required) : If further prescriptions are necessary, they will be provided during the review consultation. Letter to Your GP : A follow-up letter summarising your progress and any treatment changes will be sent to your GP for continued care. Benefits of Booking the Comprehensive Menopause Support Package: Expert Care Every Step of the Way : Receive specialised care from an experienced menopause doctor throughout your entire journey, from your initial consultation to your follow-up review. Tailored, Ongoing Support : We’ll ensure your treatment plan evolves with you, addressing any changes in symptoms or health, so you’re always receiving the best possible care. Cost-Effective Comprehensive Package : For just £350, you receive both your initial consultation and a follow-up review appointment—giving you complete support without the need for additional bookings or costs. Personalised Approach : Your treatment plan is designed around your specific needs, addressing your symptoms, health history, and goals for menopause management. Confidence in Managing Menopause : With ongoing guidance, adjustments, and support, you’ll feel empowered to manage your menopause symptoms effectively. Book Your Comprehensive Menopause Support Package Today For just £350, you’ll receive a complete menopause consultation and follow-up plan tailored to your needs. Follow link below to book now. Please note: In line with our policy, you are unable to book with a doctor who is your registered GP or a GP at the practice where you are currently registered. This includes Dr Jo Burgin (Bridgeview Medical Practice) and Dr Danielle Calandrini (Newbridge Surgery). Thank you for your understanding. Book Now Discover our range of menopause supplements, available to order today! Shop Now

PCOS Initial Consultation Package Overview | £255 45minute Initial Consultation Personalised PCOS consultation service, designed to provide expert advice and tailored support for managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Our comprehensive consultation will help you understand your condition, address your concerns, and receive guidance on improving your symptoms and overall well-being. In-depth Consultation with an Experienced Women's Health Doctor A thorough, one-on-one discussion with a specialist to understand your symptoms, health history, and concerns, including irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, weight changes, skin health, and fertility considerations. Personalised Health Plan Following an assessment of your symptoms and lifestyle, our specialist will provide tailored recommendations on managing PCOS, including nutrition, exercise, hormonal balance, and potential medical treatments. Private Prescribing (if required) If appropriate, the doctor may offer private prescriptions for medications such as hormonal treatments, insulin-sensitising therapies, or other supportive treatments, ensuring timely access to care. Letter to Your GP A detailed letter outlining your consultation, diagnosis, and any recommendations will be sent to your GP to support continuity of care and ongoing management. Book here Benefits of Booking This Consultation: Expert Advice – Consult with an experienced Doctor in managing PCOS and its associated symptoms. Personalised Care – Receive a tailored plan based on your unique health concerns and goals. Quick Access to Treatment – Benefit from private prescribing, reducing waiting times for necessary medications. Comprehensive Support – Address all aspects of PCOS, from metabolic health and hormonal balance to emotional well-being. Seamless Communication with Your GP – Ensure your GP is informed and involved in your long-term management. Confidential and Comfortable Environment – Discuss your symptoms in a private, supportive setting where your concerns are heard. Book Your Consultation Today Take control of your PCOS with expert guidance and evidence-based care. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation with an experienced PCOS specialist. £255 Please note: In line with our policy, you are unable to book with a doctor who is your registered GP or a GP at the practice where you are currently registered. This includes Dr Jo Burgin (Bridgeview Medical Practice) and Dr Danielle Calandrini (Newbridge Surgery). Thank you for your understanding. Book here

< Back Initial Testosterone Consultation £225 Appointment Overview: This 45-minute consultation is designed for women already on a stable Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) plan who are considering testosterone supplementation to further optimise their health during menopause. The session is tailored to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of testosterone in menopause, how it can be beneficial, and how it integrates with an existing HRT plan. What’s Included: Detailed Consultation: A thorough discussion about testosterone therapy, its uses, and how it can improve symptoms commonly experienced during menopause such as fatigue, low libido, mood swings, and decreased muscle mass. Private Prescriptions: If appropriate, your GP will provide a private prescription for testosterone to address your specific needs. Follow-up GP Letter: After the consultation and blood test results, a detailed letter from the GP will be sent outlining the recommendations and treatment plan, including any follow-up or adjustments to your HRT. Benefits of the Appointment: Improved Energy and Vitality: Testosterone therapy can help reduce fatigue and increase energy levels, supporting overall well-being and enhancing day-to-day functionality. Enhanced Libido: Testosterone supplementation has been shown to improve sexual desire and response, which can be impacted by hormonal changes during menopause. Mood Stabilisation: Many women report improvements in mood and a reduction in irritability, anxiety, and depressive symptoms with testosterone supplementation. Increased Muscle Strength and Mass: Testosterone helps maintain muscle strength, tone, and bone health, which can be affected during menopause, promoting overall physical health and fitness. Cognitive Clarity and Mental Sharpness: Testosterone may help improve memory, focus, and mental clarity, often helping women feel more cognitively sharp and alert. Holistic Menopause Management: This appointment is a comprehensive part of managing your menopause symptoms, helping to ensure a balanced hormonal approach for both short-term relief and long-term health benefits. Please note a blood test will be required to assess current testosterone levels and ensure that the therapy is suitable for you, at an additional charge of £110. £225 Book Here Please note: In line with our policy, you are unable to book with a doctor who is your registered GP or a GP at the practice where you are currently registered. This includes Dr Jo Burgin (Bridgeview Medical Practice) and Dr Danielle Calandrini (Newbridge Surgery). Thank you for your understanding. Previous Next

< Back Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis & Management Wellbeing March marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about a disease that is often diagnosed late due to its subtle symptoms. As a menopause specialist, I want to highlight the importance of recognizing the signs early, seeking timely diagnosis, and exploring available management options, including what ovarian cancer means for fertility. What is Ovarian Cancer? Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow uncontrollably, forming tumours. There are different types, with epithelial ovarian cancer being the most common. Because symptoms are often vague and mistaken for other conditions, ovarian cancer is sometimes referred to as the "silent killer." Symptoms to Watch For Ovarian cancer symptoms can be non-specific, making early detection challenging. However, key symptoms include: Persistent bloating —not just occasional bloating, but a frequent feeling of fullness. Pelvic or abdominal pain —ongoing discomfort that doesn’t go away. Changes in appetite —feeling full quickly or experiencing loss of appetite. Frequent urination —needing to urinate more often than usual. Changes in bowel habits —constipation or diarrhoea without a clear cause. Unexplained fatigue —persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest. Unintentional weight loss —losing weight without trying. Getting a Diagnosis Since ovarian cancer symptoms often mimic other conditions, it’s important to seek medical advice if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks. The diagnostic process may include: Pelvic examination —checking for abnormalities in the ovaries and surrounding area. Ultrasound or CT scan —imaging to detect masses or irregularities. CA-125 blood test —measuring levels of a protein that may be elevated in ovarian cancer. Biopsy or surgery —confirming the diagnosis through tissue sampling. Management & Treatment Options Treatment depends on the type and stage of ovarian cancer. Options include: 1. Surgery Oophorectomy —removal of one or both ovaries. Hysterectomy —removal of the uterus, often necessary for advanced cases. Debulking surgery —removing as much cancerous tissue as possible. 2. Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapy Chemotherapy —used after surgery or as primary treatment for advanced cases. Targeted therapy —drugs designed to attack specific cancer cell weaknesses. 3. Hormonal & Immunotherapy Hormone therapy —used in some ovarian cancer types to slow tumour growth. Immunotherapy —boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Ovarian Cancer and Fertility For women diagnosed at a younger age, ovarian cancer can have significant implications for fertility. If only one ovary is affected and removed, the other ovary may still function, allowing for natural conception. In some cases, fertility preservation options , such as egg or embryo freezing, may be available before treatment. It’s essential to discuss fertility concerns with an oncologist and fertility specialist early on. Ovarian cancer awareness is vital for early detection and better outcomes. Knowing the symptoms and seeking medical advice promptly can make a life-saving difference. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent symptoms, don’t hesitate to ask for further testing. Get in Touch If you would like a personal Wellwoman Check, or are suffering from any of the symptoms of the menopause and would like to learn more, please head to our contact page to book an appointment. You'll be so glad you did! Contact Us

Gold Wellwoman Check Package Overview | £600 The Gold Wellwoman Health check is a two-appointment package designed to assess key areas of your health, including a blood test, health assessment, nutrition advice, and menopause support. While the blood test is not as comprehensive as the Platinum package, it still provides valuable insights into your health. Package Includes Appointment 1: Health Assessment: Review of your medical history, lifestyle, and current health concerns. Blood Test: Tests to assess cholesterol, blood sugar, liver function, and thyroid markers. Vital Sign Measurements: Weight, height, and blood pressure check. Appointment 2: Nutrition Advice: Tailored guidance based on your health assessment and blood test. Menopause Support: Expert advice for managing menopause symptoms. Detailed Health Report: Summary of results, recommendations, and next steps for your health. Book here Benefits of the Appointment: Comprehensive Health Review: A thorough evaluation over two appointments to assess your overall health, including key areas like nutrition, blood markers, and lifestyle factors. Early Detection: The blood test provides important insights into your health, helping identify potential issues such as cholesterol imbalances, blood sugar concerns, liver function, and thyroid health, all at an early stage. Personalised Advice: Receive tailored nutrition advice and actionable recommendations based on your health assessment and blood test results. This helps you make informed decisions for a healthier lifestyle. Menopause Support: If you’re experiencing menopause or perimenopause, you’ll receive expert guidance on managing symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes, allowing you to improve your quality of life. Clear Actionable Health Report: After your final appointment, you'll receive a comprehensive report with clear recommendations for your next steps, ensuring you're equipped to take charge of your health. Book your Gold Wellwoman Health Check today! This package provides essential health assessments, personalised care, and expert support to help you optimise your well-being. Secure your appointment today! £600 Book here

Discover partnership opportunities with Bristol Menopause & Wellwoman Clinic, collaborating to enahnce women's health, menopause care, and holistic wellbeing. Partnerships Partnering with Corporates and Charities for Menopause and Women’s Health in the Workplace At Bristol Menopause Clinic, we support businesses and charities in creating inclusive workplaces that prioritise women’s health, with a special focus on menopause. From developing tailored workplace policies to delivering expert training sessions and offering onsite or virtual health clinics, we provide comprehensive solutions to empower women at work. Our services help organisations foster a culture of understanding, reduce stigma, and boost employee wellbeing and productivity. By addressing key issues like menopause through education, policy, and personalised care, we enable workplaces to thrive. Partner with us today to make a lasting impact on women’s health in: Want to know more? If you would like more information about our corporate services, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us via email at hello@bristolmenopause.com or by phone at 0117 4525747 . Our dedicated team is available to assist you with any inquiries, provide tailored solutions, or discuss how we can best support your organisation’s needs. We look forward to hearing from you!

Step by step video on using HRT from Bristol Menopause & Wellwoman Clinic. Empowering women with practical tips and educational insights. Video Resources Want a little extra guidance on how to use your HRT? Watch these how to videos created by our clinicians. Oestrogen Patches Utrogesten - Progesterone Lenzetto Oestrogen Gel

< Back Dry January & Women’s Health: A Powerful Reset for Your Body and Mind Dry January isn’t about restriction or punishment. It’s about pressing pause, giving your body time to reset, and noticing how you actually feel without alcohol in the background. For women, particularly those in perimenopause and midlife , the benefits of cutting out alcohol, even temporarily, can be profound. Improved sleep, better hormone balance, clearer thinking, and more stable energy are just some of the changes women commonly notice. Why Dry January Can Be Transformative for Women’s Health Better Sleep and Reduced Night-Time Anxiety Alcohol disrupts deep, restorative sleep and increases night waking, early-morning anxiety, and night sweats. Many women report better sleep quality within just one to two weeks of stopping alcohol, with improved energy and calmer mornings. Hormonal Balance in Perimenopause and Menopause Alcohol can worsen PMS, perimenopausal symptoms, hot flushes, night sweats, low mood, and irritability. Reducing alcohol intake often leads to more stable moods and fewer hormonal symptom flares. Improved Energy, Focus, and Brain Fog Alcohol affects blood sugar regulation, which can worsen fatigue and brain fog. Without it, many women experience clearer thinking, better concentration, and steadier energy throughout the day. Weight, Metabolic, and Liver Health Alcohol is calorie-dense and impacts insulin sensitivity. A break from alcohol can: Reduce bloating Support fat loss Improve cholesterol levels Support liver health This can be particularly helpful for women struggling with weight gain during midlife. Skin and Gut Health Alcohol increases inflammation and can disrupt gut health. Many women notice brighter skin, improved digestion, and less bloating after reducing or removing alcohol. Mental Wellbeing and Emotional Resilience Alcohol can worsen anxiety and low mood, especially in the days following drinking. Dry January is often associated with calmer mornings, improved emotional balance, and greater resilience to stress. Dry January Isn’t About Giving Up Alcohol Forever Dry January is about awareness . Understanding how alcohol affects your hormones, sleep, mood, and energy empowers you to make informed choices long after January ends. For many women, this period highlights whether alcohol has been quietly contributing to: Fatigue Poor sleep Weight gain Mood changes Using Dry January as a Health Reset If you’re using Dry January as a reset, it’s an ideal time to: Prioritise high-quality sleep Focus on nourishing, balanced nutrition Reflect on whether hormone or nutrient imbalances may be contributing to ongoing symptoms Sometimes clarity doesn’t come from adding more supplements, plans, or routines — it comes from removing what’s quietly holding you back. Start the Year Feeling Clearer, Calmer, and More Connected to Your Body Dry January can be the first step toward better long-term health, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. If fatigue, low mood, sleep problems, or weight changes persist, personalised health testing and lifestyle guidance can help identify what your body truly needs. Here’s to a healthier, more balanced start to the year. Get in Touch If you would like a personal Wellwoman Check, or are suffering from any of the symptoms of the menopause and would like to learn more, please head to our contact page to book an appointment. You'll be so glad you did! Contact Us

< Back When Menopause Anxiety Strikes — How to Feel More in Control HRT, Wellbeing Menopause anxiety can feel overwhelming. Learn why it happens and discover evidence-based strategies to regain calm and confidence. When Menopause Anxiety Strikes — How to Feel More in Control If you’ve suddenly developed anxiety in your 40s or 50s, it can feel frightening especially if you’ve never experienced it before. You are not imagining it. And you are not alone. Menopause-related anxiety is one of the most common symptoms we treat and it is highly responsive to the right support. Why Anxiety Appears in Midlife Falling oestrogen affects: Serotonin (your feel-good hormone) GABA (your calming neurotransmitter) Cortisol (your stress hormone) This creates a perfect storm of racing thoughts, morning dread, overthinking and physical symptoms like chest tightness or shaky hands. What You Can Do to Feel Better 1. Get morning daylight This resets your cortisol rhythm and supports calmness. 2. Stabilise your blood sugar Skipping meals or relying on caffeine worsens anxiety. 3. Practice slow breathing 6 breaths per minute reduces physical stress symptoms. 4. Consider HRT For many women, HRT dramatically improves hormonal anxiety. If anxiety is affecting your daily life, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with a menopause specialist today. Get in Touch If you would like a personal Wellwoman Check, or are suffering from any of the symptoms of the menopause and would like to learn more, please head to our contact page to book an appointment. You'll be so glad you did! Contact Us

Comprehensive PCOS support at Bristol Menopause & Wellwoman Clinic. Offering expert guidance, treatments, and personlised care for managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Expert Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Care At Bristol Menopause Clinic, we provide expert, evidence-based care for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to support you at every stage of your health journey. Whether you're struggling with irregular cycles, hormonal imbalances or weight concerns, our specialist-led appointments offer personalised guidance tailored to your needs. Our Doctors take the time to understand your unique concerns, offering expert advice on lifestyle strategies, medical management, and hormone balance. From insulin resistance and skin health to mood shifts and long-term wellbeing, we empower you with the knowledge and care you need to take control of your health. Book an appointment today and receive the specialist support you deserve for managing PCOS with confidence. PCOS Initial Consultation See the details PCOS Follow up See the details

< Back Lifestyle Medicine and Menopause: Building Resilience from the Inside Out Alternative Therapies, Diet, Exercise, Managing Symptoms, Managing Weight, Menopause Advice, Perimenopause, Post Menopause, Self-Care, Wellbeing Every year, World Menopause Day highlights an important theme to raise awareness and improve women’s health globally. For 2025, the focus is on Lifestyle Medicine, and it couldn’t be more timely. We know that menopause is more than “low oestrogen.” Hormones interact with every system in the body: the brain, cardiovascular system, bones, metabolism, and mood regulation. But what’s becoming clearer is that hormones do not act alone. Their effects depend on the receptors they bind to, and those receptors are influenced by our daily lifestyle choices from the food we eat, to how we move, rest, and manage stress. Progesterone and Its Receptors While oestrogen often takes centre stage, progesterone is equally important in midlife health. Progesterone binds to progesterone receptors (PRs), found not only in the uterus and breast tissue but also in the brain. Here, PRs influence mood, sleep, and cognition by interacting with the brain’s calming neurotransmitter system (GABA). This is one reason why declining progesterone in perimenopause can contribute to anxiety, poor sleep, and mood changes. But here’s the key: the effectiveness of progesterone depends on the health of its receptors. And receptor activity is shaped by both biology and lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and sleep. The Role of B Vitamins One of the clearest examples of lifestyle medicine in action is nutrition. In particular, the B vitamins, especially B6, B9 (folate), and B12 are essential for brain health and hormone receptor function. Vitamin B6 helps produce serotonin, dopamine, and GABA neurotransmitters that work alongside progesterone’s calming effects. Folate (B9) and B12 support methylation, a process that regulates gene expression, including hormone receptor sensitivity. Riboflavin (B2) and Niacin (B3) fuel mitochondrial energy, indirectly supporting hormone metabolism and brain function. Without these nutrients, even if hormones are present, their messages may not be fully received by the body. This is why nutrition is not a side note it’s a core pillar of hormone health. The Lifestyle Medicine Framework in Menopause Lifestyle medicine is built on six key pillars, each of which directly influences hormone signalling and overall health in menopause: Nutrition: Prioritise whole, nutrient-rich foods. Ensure adequate intake of B vitamins, protein, fibre, and phytonutrients to support receptor and metabolic health. Physical Activity: Regular movement improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, and enhances receptor responsiveness. Both resistance training and aerobic exercise are protective in midlife. Sleep: Consistent, restorative sleep helps regulate cortisol and supports hormone balance. Poor sleep, by contrast, disrupts receptor sensitivity. Stress Management: Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which competes with sex hormone pathways and blunts receptor activity. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, and breathing exercises make a measurable difference. Avoidance of Harmful Substances: Reducing alcohol, smoking, and ultra-processed foods helps protect receptor function, brain health, and cardiovascular resilience. Positive Social Connections: Strong relationships improve stress resilience, mood regulation, and long-term health outcomes all of which interact with hormonal systems. Why This Matters for Midlife Women Menopause care is too often framed as “replacing what is lost.” But the evidence shows that building resilience through lifestyle is equally powerful. Whether or not a woman chooses hormone therapy, supporting her nutritional status, physical health, and emotional wellbeing can amplify outcomes and reduce long-term risks of heart disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline. This year, World Menopause Day invites us to reframe menopause care: not as symptom management, but as whole-person health care, rooted in the daily choices that sustain hormone function and receptor health. Get in Touch If you would like a personal Wellwoman Check, or are suffering from any of the symptoms of the menopause and would like to learn more, please head to our contact page to book an appointment. You'll be so glad you did! Contact Us